A political scientist at Bayero University, Kano, Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, has described the Federal Government’s decision to reduce fuel prices for just one month as purely political, saying it was not done for the good of the people.
He said over fifty countries around the world have already cut their fuel prices because they saw that the high cost was pushing their citizens into serious hardship. He noted that Nigeria is still going through a long economic struggle.
Professor Fagge, who spoke in an interview with Kano Live 24, said capping the price of petrol at a maximum of N1,350 for just 30 days is a decision driven by politics and pressure, not by any real plan to help the people.
According to him, the government only took the step because it fears the huge public support that the ruling APC’s political opponents have gathered after promising the masses that they would bring back fuel subsidy.
The scholar said it is not a favour when a government reduces fuel prices for its citizens. He explained that in a true democracy and a well-organized society, the government is supposed to follow the will and desires of the people, not force the people to bow to the whims and policies of their leaders.
He concluded that a temporary 30 days fuel price relief cannot save Nigerians from the deep economic hardship and high cost of living they are facing.
Professor Fagge said the short measure will change nothing for the masses. He warned that once the 30 days deadline passes, the situation could end up worse than it was before.
